North Korea also wants to launch its own space program, which will not ease international concern regarding the country's ability to launch missiles

As South Korean and U.S. officials believe North Korea is prepared to test fire a long-range missile, North Korean officials have announced the nation is looking forward to developing a space program in the near future.

"The DPRK's policy of advancing to space for peaceful purposes is a justifiable aim that fits the global trend of the times," government officials said in a state-run newspaper. "There is no power in the world that can stop it. As long as developing and using space are aimed at peaceful purposes and such efforts contribute to enhancing human beings' happiness, no one in the world can find fault with them."

Despite international concern, North Korea has been involved in space research and development, but hasn't launched its own satellites or rockets into space. Several nations -- and possibly NASA in the near future -- fuel their space programs through military funding, and there is a concern North Korea would use its satellite launch technology to develop more sophisticated rocket technology for missiles and weapons of war.

During a launch in 1998, North Korea launched a missile that sailed over Japan and splashed into the Pacific Ocean, with government officials saying the missile helped put a satellite into orbit.

Along with a possible entrance into space, North Korea is almost ready to test launch the Taepodong-2 missile, which has an estimated range of 4,100 miles. Pyongyang would like to test launch the missile to garner international attention, especially from new U.S. President Barack Obama.

North Korea first tried to launch Taepodong-2 in 2006, but the missile failed 40 seconds after launch, U.S. security officials said.

The United States and numerous other western nations have become increasingly concerned by a growing number of nations looking to develop space programs.

Well.. Considering that for a few years at least, the man holding the keys to the Nuclear Arsenal in the United States was kinda loopy (Reagan) and not quite all there... Or just recently, he was sure that God was leading him on a Holy mission (Bush Jr.). Perhaps we should be careful who we call crazy. Much like in the United States, NK too has an inner circle. As crazy as Dear Leader is purported to be, there is no way the inner circle in NK, or that which 'guides' the President of the United States, would let such an event occur.

Instead, here a simple mental medical fitness assessment could remove him from power, and there something similar (although hidden from the 'adoring public's eyes') would be arranged. To honestly believe Dear Leader governs in a vacuum without a power seeking supporting cast, is stupidity. Much the same as many strong men have their inner circles; unbelievably loyal, until the prize they hope to eventually wrestle away is facing absolute destruction, or they catch their 'Dear Leader' on an off day.

To argue that somehow NK is beyond realizing what launching a nuclear weapon would do to them, again, is stupidity. Are you really that caught up in your feelings of superiority that you would deny all such regimes the ability to act for their own survival? Nothing from NK suggests that the regime is stupid enough to end itself in such a fashion, regimes such as that do not last . Whereas this one has.

Hell, China would more then likely deal with NK itself if they were stupid enough to launch. It would gravely inform the world, that it sees retaliation as the only logical recourse to such a despicable act, it would then assure the world that it would handle NK, and would even cover the costs. Simply, they would ask for the world not to send troops into NK, nor near China's borders, as it is a matter best dealt with by Chinese forces who share a land border with NK. Instead, it would ask that efforts be made to direct resources to assist <insert target city here>, and that China would gladly shoulder this burden as befitting the expectations of a <rising> global power.

(Perhaps a bit thick in rhetoric, but make no mistake, a return nuclear exchange would piss off too many Nuclear armed states, and the United States would not be able to handle a massive rescue / rebuilding event such as the torching of one of her cities, and taking NK. As clearly evidenced by her inability to rebuild New Orleans, while fighting two small conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The question being, could China actually diplomatically stop the US from launching, and would the sacking of Pyongyang be enough for those wanting direct retribution in the US?)

quote: (Perhaps a bit thick in rhetoric, but make no mistake, a return nuclear exchange would piss off too many Nuclear armed states, and the United States would not be able to handle a massive rescue / rebuilding event such as the torching of one of her cities, and taking NK. As clearly evidenced by her inability to rebuild New Orleans, while fighting two small conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The question being, could China actually diplomatically stop the US from launching, and would the sacking of Pyongyang be enough for those wanting direct retribution in the US?)

I don't think the US can't quickly rebuild a city. Just New Orleans is a waste of time and money. WTF is the point of rebuilding a city that is below the sea level, while being right near the fcking ocean.

Better yet, what fcking moron thinks it's a good idea to move back in, when a hurricane happens every damn year. Nothing in my mind screams "let's move to New Orleans."

Passing over your snide, inflammatory remarks of non-Democrat former presidents...

What makes you think China

quote: would deal with NK itself

?China already supports NK financially. Where does the technology for starting a space program come from? Do you not recall Iran just launched a satellite? Is there a connection tween NK and Iran, beyond the mere fact that both are state sponsors of terrorism? Your entire paragraph of analysis here is just ... la-la-land.

Is there really any question about the USA's ability to crush somebody, anybody, militarily? The key of course is "ability". You have no idea, nor does anybody else know anything about what Obama would or would not do. Seriously. I would hope he acts in the best interest of the US. But current events suggest otherwise. He is busy rescuing Chris Dodd and Barney Frank from the Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac debacle. Is Socialism in our best interest? I think not. He is busy placing limits on the USA's ability to conduct defense. He is busy picking diplomats that have accepted contributions from foreign interests [China and Dubai], and hence they have a vested interest in listening to China's wishes, rather than our own.

My point is that miliarily there's no question the USA can respond ... appropriately. There's no question. None. The question is what will happen politically. Does the USA have the will power to respond?